Leesburg Lightning to host Flag Day tribute at Wednesday's game

LEESBURG — Through the years, the Leesburg Lightning have become known for their grand fireworks-filled Fourth of July celebrations.

While the city and the team combine to transform Independence Day into one of the year's biggest events, it often unintentionally overshadows another important day of remembrance occurring annually on June 14.

Flag Day.

The Lightning will pay tribute to the American flag in a ceremony prior to Wednesday's game against Winter Garden at Pat Thomas Stadium-Buddy Lowe Field. For many in attendance, it will be an emotional time.

“The reason we’re doing Flag Day is because it’s important to us,” Lightning public address announcer Chuck Johnson said. “It’s important for us to celebrate. We hope it can become just as big of an event as Fourth of July.”

It’s not the first time Flag Day has been observed by the team, but this is the first time it will be celebrated in this manner.

For starters, miniature flags will be given to every fan entering the ballpark, courtesy of Phillips Toyota. Also, the city of Leesburg will decorate Pat Thomas Stadium-Buddy Lowe Field with the flags that fly on Main Street during the city's celebrations on Independence Day and Memorial Day.

Five reigning winners of the Miss Leesburg pageant will throw out the ceremonial first pitch and the "Star-Spangled Banner" will be sung by the Joyful Sound.

Johnson hopes it will become an event of “celebration and anticipation” of July 4.

“We’ve always celebrated Flag Day,” Johnson said. “This year we’re going to celebrate Flag Day and emphasize that it remains important in our lives that we live in a country that allows us to fly the flag.”

The Lightning will take on the Winter Garden Squeeze at 7 p.m. Gates open at 4 p.m., and admission and parking are always free.